CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY

By Maria Hannah Katrina Lustria, BA-COMM 4, OJT

Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on together with her fellow members of the Council of Graduate School Deans.

Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on, Dean of the CPU School of Graduate Studies, was elected President of the Council of Graduate School Deans in Region VI.  The oath-taking ceremony of the officers of the Council of Graduate School Deans in Region VI was held online on May 4, 2022.  Dr.  Raul Alvarez, Director IV, CHED Region VI, administered the oath of office.

The complete list of officers are as follows:

After the oath-taking ceremony, Dr. Rex Casiple, Adviser of the Region 6 Council of Graduate Studies Deans and Chief Education Program Specialist in Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region 6, presented the highlights of CMO 15 s.2019- Policies, Standards, and Guidelines for Graduate Programs. A very well-participated open forum followed the presentation.

By Princes Elaine Y. Espongja, BA ELS-4, OJT

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office VI conducted a webinar on the topic “Internationalization of Philippine Higher Education: Overcoming Challenges and Optimizing Opportunities” on April 5, 2022.

One of the invited resource speakers is Engr. Dimpna C. Castigador, Director, Office of Institutional Advancement of Central Philippine University, alongside with Atty. Lily Freida M. Milla CESO IV, OIC, Deputy Executive Director IV, Director III, International Affairs Staff (CHED-IAS).

In her message, Engr. Castigador shared the journey of CPU towards ensuring a spot in the QS Best Universities in Asia for 2022. From the recent ranking by the QS University Rankings for Asia, CPU ranked 651+ among all other prestigious universities in Asia.

On Engr. Castigador’s presentation, she explained the importance of the QS Quacquarelli Symonds Survey for Universities. It is the world’s leading provider of services, analytics, and insight to the global higher education sector, whose mission is to enable motivated people anywhere in the world to fulfill their potential through educational achievement, international mobility, and career development.

Her presentation were divided into three parts: Vision, Mission, and Quality Policy of CPU; Internationalization; Participation in QS University Rankings.

“We recognized that internationalization even Qs participation would not be possible without the alumni’s support, to CHED, partner schools, to employers of graduates, and to those who participated in the surveys and for all the feedback they continue to the university, by God’s grace we could be doing more for His glory…”, Engr. Castigador’s last statement.

On the other hand, the aims of the webinar are to re-orient CHED’s higher education internationalization policy; guide HEIs in their internationalization efforts; explain strategies that uphold internationalization initiatives; and, share best practices to improve HEIs’ internationalization programs and practices.

Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, University president, and Prof. Leilani Fatimah Ledesma Trompeta, Office of International Relations and Cooperation Director were also present to help answer questions during the open forum at the end of the webinar.

By Princes Elaine Y. Espongja BA-ELS4, OJT

Here are the participating universities in the Circular Campus Programme.

The CPU College of Engineering, as part of its pursuit towards excellence, is yet again to partake in an initiative hosted by the Circular Cities Asia as Dr. Robles recently signed the MOA to participate in the “Circular Campus Programme” of the CCA.

This agreement will even build long term relationships between universities, innovators and industry experts on their shared journey towards circularity and sustainability.

This program designed to support universities on their zero-waste journey. It will introduce the approach to circularity in the urban context—combining circular economy principles, lean innovation, design thinking, and systems thinking to foster new ideas and solutions that reimagine university campuses as ecologically sustainable, highly livable and resilient ecosystems.

Moreover, the program webinars, workshops and toolkit that were offered prior the competition have given introduction to circular innovation frameworks and helped participants develop the in-demand skills for this emerging economy. Learning how to identify problems worth solving and ideate circular solutions. The circular innovation skills that participants develop from this program will be useful for the competition, and other problem-solving opportunities they will have in the future.

The Circular Campus Programme is run by Circular Cities Asia, with the support and expertise of our founding sponsor, RENERGii Asia. The programme is also supported by the Regional Project Energy Security and Climate Change Asia-Pacific (RECAP) of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) foundation.

By Allana S. Delgado

Donation recipients and CPU Librarians and staff (in black) Janine Espinosa, Genecis Hulleza (back), Mariana Erdao, Cynthia Peleña, Christian Mosqueda, and Jennifer Bode (front).

Last April 27, 2022, librarians and staff of the Henry Luce III Library and Department Libraries held an outreach activity in Brgy. Binon-an, Batad, Iloilo to distribute donations to Typhoon Agaton victims. Food packs, clothing, and other items were given out to almost 100 households.

Librarians and staff led the distribution of donations. Theology Library in-charge Christian Mosqueda and Elementary Librarian Rhea Joy Fernandez were emcees for the program. Elementary Librarian Rhea Joy Fernandez held a storytelling activity for almost 50 children. Separate gift packs were distributed for the children.

This is the first physical outreach activity of the library after two years due to the COVID-19 lockdown. According to the Director of Libraries Ma. Cynthia T. Peleña, “When we distributed relief goods and used clothing to the victims of Typhoon Agaton, it was heartwarming to see our brothers and sisters still manage to smile and hope that whatever happens, they have faith in God in their hearts. They are all happy: “Together we survived.””

This event was held in partnership with American Corner Iloilo, American Spaces Philippines. “It is in the power of our hands to act now to change lives for the greater future through community service,” shared American Corner and KDC Librarian Chilou Batoon.

The library would like to thank the residents and barangay officials of Brgy. Binon-an for their participation in this activity.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Food supplies were delivered by CPU Project ETC to Zaragosa Elementary School in Balasan, Iloilo.

Food supplies were delivered to Zaragosa Elementary School in Balasan, Iloilo. This is Project ETC’s response, in collaboration with CPU, to the Zaragosa Elementary School Community’s call for assistance with their HAW-AS- Alleviating Malnourishment and Poor Academic Performance through Creative School Learning Centers and Home Gardening Innovation.
Project ETC, in collaboration with the CPU Outreach Program provided Zaragosa Elementary School with rice, canned goods, pancit molo, miswa, and ingredients sufficient for a 90-day feeding program.

Zaragosa Elementary School was named CHAMPION in the district, division, and regional level Innovation Showdown Competition 2021, and was recognized by the South East Asian Ministry of Education Organization as the Outstanding Innovation in the entire South East Asia with their Innovation called “Mga Hayub-Hayub sang Kauswagan,” which included 35 learning centers in the community to meet the needs of the students. No more children will go hungry and wasted as a result of this innovation.

Dr. Jephry V. Agpalo, Head Teacher III of Zaragosa Elementary School led the teachers and the community of learners and their parents in welcoming the CPU Project ETC team. Mr. Levi O. De Los Santos (CPU Community Engagement and Service Learning or Outreach Director and CPU Project ETC Team Leader) and Ms. Joan S. Castor (CPU Project ETC Logistics Coordinator) responded with their messages. Other persons involved in the project are Mr. Nico Catedrilla (Project ETC, Project Leader),Ms. Myrna Luceño (CPU Project ETC Assistant Team Leader) and 2 (Two) students from the College of Hospitality Management.

Project ETC is a non-profit organization that partners with the CPU Community Engagement and Service Learning Program. It provides greater opportunities to school children in developing areas of the world and their families through its core values of education, technology and community. Project ETC believes that education is one of the greatest tools for positive change in children and in communities.

In a letter sent to the Founder of Project ETC, Mrs. Ann C. Seisa, c/o Mr. Nico Catedrilla, Project ETC Leader, was a request for assistance for the School- Based Feeding Program. Zaragosa Elementary School had been a recipient of the School Based Feeding Program for nearly 9 years, but it was discontinued during the pandemic. According to Dr. Agpalo, the Innovation HAW-AS is a 90-day feeding program for 130 wasted and severely wasted learners, 21 learners with special needs, and 7 Aternative Learning System Students, for a total of 158 students.

ETC founders Ann and Loy Seisa and children Tristan and Andrea are generous advocates of technology; they respond to the needs of technology in expanding to other areas of the world. ETC’s humanitarian goals would not be achieved without the support of the community. It also aims for a positive relationship with community leaders, parents, and school officials in order to understand their exact needs and make resolutions together.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Members of the CPU Biological Society pose for posterity at the Tinaytayan Elementary School.

A fund raising activity was organized by the graduating students of CPU BS Biology on April 13, 2022. The fund drive was to be used for the relief operation for typhoon affected students of Tinaytayan Elementary School in Dumarao, Capiz.

The affected students received food packs and hygiene kits. More than 100 food packs were also distributed to households in the area; thanks to students from Central Philippine University. Their enthusiasm and sympathy to the victims were lauded by the school community and the residents.

The successful outreach project was in cooperation with CPU Biological Society, Life Science Department; College of Arts and Sciences and the Community Engagement and Service Learning Center (CESLC). The organizers thanked the donors, faculty, alumni and sponsors for their support to the project.

Also present during the outreach were Life Science Head Dr. Nick Guanzon, College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, CPU Biological Society Adviser Jayvee Jore, and CESLC Director Prof. Levi De Los Santos.

By Prince Edmar Nismal, BS Microbiology-4

The recipients and donors of relief goods at Tinaytayan Elementary School.

The CPU Biological Society has forwarded relief items for victims affected by Typhoon Agaton at Tinaytayan Elementary School, Dumarao, Capiz last April 24, 2022.

President Pamela Sue Hilada in an interview said that the relief goods, both food and non-food items, were collected by the CPU BioSoc from the fourth year students of both Microbiology and Medical Biology, sponsors, alumni, faculty and staff.

The CPU BioSoc along with Dr. Nicolas G. Guanzon, Life Sciences Department Head, Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, Dean of College of Arts and Sciences, and Mr. Levi De Los Santos, Director of Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center, spearheaded the turnover of relief goods to approximately 100 families of enrolled pupils of Tinaytayan Elementary School.

Mrs. Shielamay Arevalo, the principal of the school offered her sentiments and heartfelt appreciation to everyone which according to her is a big help to ease their burden that since their existence, they had experience the worst flood in Brgy. Tinaytayan and Capiz.

With this community engagement, the organization believes that micro help ripples macro impact in the lives of people and thus they are inclined to expand their opportunity to engage in more outreaches in the future.

By Lindsay Marie Borres, BA ELS-4, OJT

The CPU Golden Lions Table Tennis Team during the national selection.

Another win for CPU for producing globally competitive athletes. Levee Marie Oliva of Central Philippine University secured a slot for the South East Asian Table Tennis Association Junior and Cadet Championship that will take place in Thailand on June 16 until June 22, 2022.

The team travelled to Manila to try their best for the national selection for the members of Junior National Team for the upcoming Southeast Asian TTA (SEATTA). They managed to advance to top 16 and one Golden Lioness grabbed the 3rd spot for the team.

Oliva’s game in her match with Keya Manada of Tangub City, Zamboanga reached its fifth and deciding set. Manada won the first set with the score 11-9, Oliva won the second and third with the scores 11-6 and 11-8. The fourth set however resulted to a 10-all tie and favored Manada with 16-14 score. The senior high school student from CPU ended the final set triumphantly with a score of 11-7.

Members of the team were Byeen Gomez, Shana Marie Remaneses, John Romel Baria, Alain Vincent Dominguez, Jero Ceasar Ascanao, Brent Remaneses, and Ashton Remaneses.

They were fully supported by their coaches Atty. Ryan Castro, Atty. Abet Reyes, Cyrus Tolentino and Simplicio “Jun” Gayoso.

By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

There were 22 participating teams from Iloilo and Negros Occidental in the “Kahidlaw sa Takraw” tourney.

The CPU Golden Lions won the championship in the Sepak Takraw Best Regu Open Tournament dubbed as “Kahidlaw sa Takraw.” The tournament was held at Block 22 Housing Mandurriao, Iloilo City with 22 participating teams from Iloilo and Negros Occidental.

The CPU Golden Lions Team was able to defeat Team Dueñas with a score of 2-1 in the set. The 3rd place went to Barotac Nuevo and Dingle Brotherhood while the 4th place is the team from Victorias.

The Most Valuable Player of the tournament was John Hiros Jalandoni of CPU, while Steven Togle of CPU) got the Best Tekong award. RV Gangoso of Team Dueñas got the Best Spiker award while Paul Germae Oñate of CPU was the Best Setter of the tournament.

According to Pastor Keith Dune Gallos, the organizer of the event, there were 22 teams distributed into 4 brackets for a round robin match. In the 3 days of tournament, 50 games were played in the qualifying matches, 4 games in the quarterfinals, 2 games in the Semis, 1 game for 3rd place, and 1 game for the championship. They have done it with only 6 referees plus 2 part time referees, 2 line judges plus 2 part time line judges, 2 first aiders from Red Cross, 1 part time physiotherapist, 1 tournament manager, and most of all 1 God.

Pastor Gallos declared that there is “Nothing is impossible with God.” He brings back all the glory and honor to God for the successful tournament.

by Edwin C. Laru-an

Althea is a member of the CPU Golden Lions Tennis Secondary Girls Team.

Name: Althea Rose Martirez
Nickname: Thea
Height: 5’5”
Grade/year: Grade 11
Team: Tennis Secondary Girls
Playing Position: Singles
Coach: Mr. Alquin Flores
Hometown: Iloilo City

Achievements:
3x PRISAA Champion
Regional meet (WVRAA)
Bronze medalist (2018)
Gold medalist (2019)
3xRegional PRISAA Champion
2xNational PRISAA Champion
3x ISSC meet Champion
Palarong Pambansa Bronze medalist (team event) 2019

Hobbies: playing tennis, eating and playing with my dogs

Favorite Player: Maria Sharapova

Most Memorable Game:
It would be Regional meet 2019 because it was a comeback game for me.

Principle in Life:
Always aim to win. Be unstoppable always. Play your best without a worrying about anything.

What can you say as a player of CPU Golden Lions:
I am very grateful to be a part of CPU Golden Lions because it helps me improve my skills and mold me into a better version of myself.

Why did you choose CPU:
I chose CPU because it is the best school here in Iloilo City and it is an honor to be a Centralian.

By Princes Elaine Y. Espongja, BA-ELS4, OJT

Let us cheer and pray for Mark Anthony Ferasol, an Ilonggo and Centralian, who is competing in the MasterChef UK.

Mr. Mark Anthony Ferasol, CPA, an alumnus of Central Philippine University-College of Business and Accountancy (2008) joined the prestigious MasterChef UK and landed a spot in the quarter finals on April 21, 2022.

The dish that paved his way in the quarter finals was his lip-smacking Melting Orb based on the famous chocolate brand ‘snickers’. The dessert made the judges applaud Mr. Ferasol’s creativeness saying the dish is ready to be served in a luxury restaurant and already a great achievement for an amateur like Mr. Ferasol.

When asked why did he join the MasterChef UK, he remarked, “I am a big fan of cooking shows, and the MasterChef franchise is one of them. I always wondered how I will do in the competition and to test my skills in the world stage. Also, for me it is about making a breakthrough in my time and be able to pursue other interest and passion outside of job/ career so I can enjoy a fuller life.”
Mr. Ferasol also cooked an all-time Filipino food ‘adobo’ but this time with a Japanese fusion which he chose as the highlight of his culinary journey inside the MasterChef kitchen. The Adobo fusion is a complex and elegant dish made of peppered rib eye steak, adobo sake sauce, parsnip puree, sherry vinegar braised cavolo nero, crispy chickpeas, edible flowers served with a shot of sake.

In an interview when asked about his most fulfilling moment in the MC UK, Mr. Ferasol answered, “It would be cooking in the MasterChef kitchen and to be able to cook for food experts and chef, restaurant critics and former MasterChef champions; and getting raving feedback of the food I made, especially when I made adobo fusion and snickers inspired dish. In addition, meeting like-minded individuals who have strong passion for food and cooking.”

Mr. Ferasol is currently based in London, United Kingdom pursuing both his profession as a Senior Manager Audit and risk for a British Multinational Company, and his passion which definitely is in the art of cooking.

His encouraging message for Filipinos/Ilonggos is to never give-up on chasing their dreams, continue to keep the fire burning once you find your significance and purpose in life, and lastly – have faith!

By Cyrus A Natividad

This award was received by Centralian Anabel C. Petinglay from DSWD.

Centralians in Mass Media (CMM) active member and current Philippine News Agency, Antique Chief Annabel Consuelo Petinglay received the Award as 2021 Most Supportive Media Partner for Online Platform from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Petinglay is formerly Iloilo City’s PNA News Bureau Chief.

Petinglay always reached out to the Regional Information Officer for updates especially during the pandemic and any calamities. On the online and social media support, she was cited for always being supportive to all DSWD programs, services and outreach activities in Antique, particularly at the onset of COVID 19.

The award was given during the Monday Evening’s “Pasasalamat” at the Westown Hotel in Iloilo City. The DSWD also appreciated the support and good relationship of DSWD-6 with media in Western Visayas which includes Centralian Members of the Iloilo Press and Centralians in Mass Media organizations. DSWD OIC Emmanuel A. Leyco relayed his personal gratitude to media.

Regional Director Rebecca Geamala said that, “As long as there is DSWD, the Media will be our strong partner.” She added that the media not only drumbeat the programs and services of DSWD, particularly the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4P’s), but also relayed to the department the need of poor families.

Other media partners who were awarded by DSWD during the ceremony were PNA Iloilo and Antique News Bureaus.